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SAIL
March 22, 2023
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Have you discovered a passion for climbing, whether indoors on an artificial wall or outdoors on the rock? Apart from a harness, a rope, a helmet and carabiners, all you need are climbing shoes, and you’ll be ready to take on the most epic walls in the province. To equip you properly, SAIL’s specialists have selected the best climbing shoes from the best brands on the market.
In this article, you will learn about:
Imagined in the 1950s by Yvon Chouinard, legendary climber and founder of the Patagonia company, the American brand Black Diamond is now one of the most recognized in the climbing equipment industry, as well as in outdoor apparel in general. It is particularly known for its line of climbing shoes. Between tradition and modernity, Black Diamond shows ingenuity in its technologies such as Engineered Knit, an upper that provides exceptional breathability and comfort, or its 3D moulded sole for extreme durability.
Designed to provide unparalleled comfort indoors and outdoors, Black Diamond’s Momentum shoe is an entry-level shoe that provides support and stretch in strategic areas while featuring a flat design ideal for beginners with delicate feet. All with excellent breathability.
Who is it for? Men and women
For what level? Beginner and intermediate
For what type of climbing? Indoor and outdoor
Based at the foot of the Dolomites since its inception in 1928, La Sportiva was founded by shoemaker Narciso Delladio, whose family still owns the company. Known for its hiking and mountaineering shoes, the Italian brand is also famous for its climbing shoes. Comfort, ideal fit and performance are the key words of its extensive range of some 30 models that have proven themselves over the years. To find the perfect fit for your foot width and climbing skill level, check out the smart chart created by La Sportiva on their website.
You’ll love the versatility, precision and comfort of La Sportiva’s Kubo shoes. Their unlined uppers are soft and comfortable to help you through long climbing sessions, while the rubberized XS Edge spikes offer superior durability.
Who is it for? Men and women
For what level? Beginner and intermediate
For what type of climbing? Indoor and outdoor
Known for their reliability and extreme comfort, La Sportiva’s Finale shoes feature midsole and outsole designs that deliver top performance. A good option for new or intermediate climbers with big ambitions.
Who is it for? Men and women
For what level? Beginner and intermediate
For what type of climbing? Indoor and outdoor
Founded 17 years ago by a group of climbing friends in Southern California, Evolv primarily specializes in climbing shoes, but also produces some climbing accessories nowadays. It has managed to climb alongside the giants of the industry and now offers three bold technologies: Trax GT, their ultra-durable, non-marking rubber, Trax SAS, the grippiest rubber on the market, and Trax XE, a performance outsole that will give you the best possible support.
Offering a comfortable fit without compromising performance, Evolv’s Kronos climbing shoes (and Kira model for women) feature anatomically machined design and components, suiting modern climbing enthusiasts with versatile technical performance.
Who is it for? Unisex and women
For what level? Beginner and intermediate
For what type of climbing? Indoor and outdoor
Evolv’s Geshido climbing shoes feature a single layer of vegan synthetic leather upper, offering limited flexibility for more control and power. They also feature an interesting midsole that provides more rigidity and power in the heel.
Who is it for? Unisex and women
For what level? Beginner, intermediate and expert
For what type of climbing? Indoor and outdoor
After years of testing different shoe models, both indoors and out, and giving advice to customers in stores, SAIL’s specialists have selected two models that stand out from others on the market.
La Sportiva’s Solution Comp is a precise, flexible, highly elastic and responsive climbing shoe designed for maximum performance, particularly suited for indoor competition. It offers better coverage thanks to the gum designed for toe hooks on overhangs, and has a more tapered heel to promote heel hooks on micro holds. Finally, the XS-Grip2 sole provides maximum grip for a precise and safe climb.
Who is it for? Men and women
For what level? Expert
For what type of climbing? Indoor
Evolv’s Shaman is a versatile climbing shoe designed for challenging situations. The vegan synthetic upper is built on an aggressive profile that will ensure your foot always stays in position and the shoes always keep their original shape. As for the plastic midsole, it positions your toes in a crimped position, while providing the necessary space for your joints, eliminating excess space for maximum comfort and power.
Who is it for? Unisex
For what level? Intermediate and expert
For what type of climbing? Indoor and outdoor
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